Evaluation of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Respiratory Functions and Nutritional Status in Obese Asthmatic Children

This study aimed to evaluate Mediterranean diet adherence, respiratory functions, and nutritional status in obese children with asthma. This study was conducted between July and September 2024 at Aydın Adnan Menderes University Hospital, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Clinic. A total of 55 obese children aged 6-15 years with asthma who agreed to participate were included. A questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, health information, and dietary habits was administered. Additionally, three-day food consumption records were collected. The KIDMED index was applied to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, and spirometry tests for respiratory function were performed. The mean age of the children was 10.03±0.25 years. The mean KIDMED score was 7.02±2.79, indicating moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Among boys, lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a more adverse body composition (p0.05). No significant differences were observed between energy and nutrient intake, dietary antioxidant capacity, ORAC values, and KIDMED scores. A negative correlation was found between saturated fat and cholesterol intake and FVC, while a positive correlation was observed between FEV1 and vitamin E intake. Additionally, FEV1/FVC ratio showed a positive correlation with dietary fiber, insoluble fiber, vitamin E, phosphorus, iron, and zinc intake (p